Amalie Loves... E and K CHARMS

Now anyone who knows me will know I love a bit of bling. Well ok A LOT of bling (my friends son calls me 'Auntie Bling' for goodness sake!). Whether it's for the usual fingers, neck, arms and ears or an embellishment to shoes, bags, belts, hats or scarves, nothing is safe. Even my mobile recently got blinged up with a new cover containing gorgeous swarovski crystals! I'm sure I was a magpie in a previous life.

I'm fast running out of space for my burgeoning jewellery collection; but can I throw any of it out? No. Unlike ditching a favourite top that's past it's sell by date or chucking out a much loved pair of disintegrating boots, the thought of throwing out a piece of jewellery just doesn't even cross my mind. Sentimental I know but I think when it comes to jewellery most of us are (and that includes boys as I've found many dodgy cufflinks and a well worn St Christopher in the back of my partners drawer!). Not all of it has to be expensive either. Frayed friendship bracelets made in school, dodgy black leather necklaces way back when grunge was in (I know I'm showing my age!), silver lockets, conked out watches, 100's of bangles, baubles and beads. Aladdin's cave would be envious.

As a wedding planner I'm privileged to know many jewellery makers and experts. This can include beautiful hand crafted engagement rings, vintage head pieces and costume jewellery all designed to make you look utterly gorgeous, and its all stunning. However E and K Charms are a little bit different. Their brilliant idea is what sentimental schmucks like me fall for every time. They make keepsakes from items which are a meaningful part of either your wedding day or from your honeymoon. Shells from the beach, flower buds or leaves from your wedding bouquet can all be gold or silver plated and turned into a stunning charm necklace or bracelet. You can then wear or keep this precious keepsake forever and pass it down to generations to come. Genius.

Amalie Loves... HAPPY BOX

Well to be fair, a company with "happy” in their name is going to grab my attention! This week’s awesome find is the innovative gift company Happy Box (think ultra modern version of a wicker hamper). Their Director Charlotte Orton and her glamorous friendly team are storming both the private client and corporate markets due to their versatile set-up, stylish packaging and the use of chic top class products. Clients can pick and choose which luxurious gifts they want in their hamper box, personalising each one to make it extra special. If their elegant black and yellow boxes don’t quite fit your wedding theme, Happy Box offer a bespoke service for arranging personalised packaging or branded gifts to match your design or colour scheme. Additionally they also provide a handy next day delivery service anywhere in the UK.

These hampers provide a brilliant alternative to the usual flowers and gifts for mothers of the bride and other members of the bridal party you wish to say a big thank you too. They're also great for engagement or anniversary gifts too, especially if you're stuck for either ideas or time.

So go on make someone cherished; give them a happy box!

Amalie Loves... ALESIA BARRY CANDLES

Now, lovers of all things beautiful are in for a real treat as Alesia Barry have just launched a fabulous new range of candles which are not only top quality but also smell divine too.

They are all beautifully hand-made from creamy soy wax (biodegradable, non-toxic, burns twice as long as normal wax), and the highest quality of fragrances and essential oils to create the gorgeous aroma. Because these are made to order, they take a while longer to make (up to a week), however they are seriously special and would fill the church or reception with a beautiful fragrance everyone will enjoy.

The owner Aleisa Broad told me earlier “the centrepiece candles burn straight down the middle which means the beautiful ribbon and Swarovski crystal detail remains intact. This means the client can keep the beautiful candle after the wedding or event as a keepsake”.

They are all reasonably priced too, especially as they are all hand-made using natural and eco-friendly ingredients and packaging. The beautifully votive candles would make awesome gifts for bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom or as wedding favours for guests. They would also make excellent gifts if attending a wedding and also Christmas or christenings (well just about any time really!!).

Please go to their fabulous website www.alesiabarry.co.uk to check out their full range.

Gorgeous!